The Commonwealth Foundation has begun a four year project with the British Overseas Territories that seeks to increase their commitment to international standards in regard to labour rights, the rights of children and women, and other human rights issues. Other goals of the project include promoting dialogue between government and non-governmental organizations, and working with the media to strengthen democracy in the region.
The project, which has been fully funded by the UK Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will produce a report to help create a framework for “filling in” the remaining laws to protect various rights in each territory.
Bermuda is the only territory planning to abstain from the exercise.
Why?
1 response so far ↓
1 Caliban // Aug 20, 2008 at 1:18 pm
In response Myra Virgil, Director of the Department of Human Affairs, yesterday defended Government’s track record in human rights.
Government is currently reviewing the Bermuda Human Rights Act 1981 (amended 2000), and Dr. Virgil said a series of amendments are about to be submitted to Cabinet.
Speaking on behalf of Wayne Carey, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, she said: “Bermuda’s human rights legislation is well developed and organic. The Department of Human Affairs, in consultation with the Human Rights Commission, recently completed an exhaustive study with respect to many of the issues to be discussed, and as a result, rather than duplicate effort and work, we are proceeding with a full consideration of the results of our own studies.
“In this regard, the Minister responsible will shortly bring to Cabinet a raft of considerations for amendments and other initiatives in this regard.
“The Government of Bermuda’s commitment to human rights and to the improvement of our legislative framework is well known and is not required to be supplemented in a situation where considerable local work is being done to a high standard.”
The Bermuda Human Rights Act 1981 currently restricts discrimination in: race; place of origin; colour; national or ethnic origin; sex; marital status; disability; not born in lawful wedlock; religious beliefs; and political opinions.
Possession of a criminal record was added under the terms of unlawful discrimination in 2000. The draft Review of the Bermuda Human Rights Act, completed in January, proposes the words relating to those not born in wedlock be replaced by ‘family status’, and the definition of disability be re-worded to include disabilities arising from a mental or psychological condition, including learning disabilities. Amendments are also proposed to require employers and providers of public services (including commercial establishments) to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, such as accessibility.
The Review also recommends age and sexual orientation be added under the grounds of unlawful discrimination. Nationality could also be included under the human rights umbrella.The Review also recommends age and sexual orientation be added under the grounds of unlawful discrimination.
Who’s willing to bet that protection against discrimination on basis of Nationality won’t make the cut?